Yuriy and I have done a lot of traveling on our own, so we are always on the look out for travel buddies. With our wacky work schedule (we work mostly on the weekends), it's pretty hard to find travel partners. It was a pleasant surprise when Jessica and Matt, photographers from Canada, messaged and said they were going to be in Iceland at the same time as us (total coincidence)! And so we arranged to spend one day together at the end of our trip and beginning of their trip, and packed it full with activities.
We rented a Land Rover Defender for our day trip, a pretty big deal for the boys. I have to admit I was pretty enamored by it too. It was the perfect vehicle to explore the rugged Icelandic terrain.
We took a drive around the Golden Circle, a popular tourist route because it's so close to the city. We stopped at all the popular spots-- Þingvellir National Park where the first parliament is, a geothermal valley with shooting geysers, and the gigantic Gulfoss waterfall. Of course, we stopped far more often than that. It sure is nice to travel with fellow photographers who don't mind pulling over every 10 minutes for photos.
At the end of the day, we found some steaming hot springs and bubbling mud pots on the side of the road (crazy!), and couldn't resist taking some photos of each other before the sun went down. You can see some of Jessica's photos of us here.
One of the most memorable parts of the day was snorkeling in icy cold glacial water between two continents, but I saved those photos for a separate post. Check back soon to see us in dry suits and swimming caps.
- Julia
All geysers were named after this big guy, Geysir.
Because Geysir erupts so rarely, we mostly hung around Strokkur, another geyser that erupts every few minutes and shoots water as high as 30 meters in the air.
Gulfoss waterfall, one of the most famous tourist attractions in the country.
Recharging with burgers before hitting the road again.
Beautiful photos again! :)
ReplyDeleteThat horse had quite a smile!
ReplyDeleteMy husband was also quite enamoured with the Land Rover on our safari in South Africa and by the end of the trip, the thing amazed me too. They seriously can climb over just about anything!
Jay - Has he been shopping around for one since then, like mine is? ;)
DeleteYour Iceland pictures have made me regret not extending my business trip to Reykjavik! It's such a beautiful country with so much to do - I can't wait to get back there and explore some more :)
ReplyDeleteKam @ A Married Couple & Their Travels
Kam - I hope you do! I think Iceland Air lets you extend your stay for a few days if you're flying through with no extra charge.
DeleteI flew there directly from London but will definitely consider it as a stopover whenever I visit the States next!
Deletethose horses are too, too funny showing off their smiles (; and i'm a little bit taken with that off road land rover myself...
ReplyDeleteWow, these pictures are gorgeous! You've reinvigorated my quest to go to Iceland. Would you recommend it for a babymoon?
ReplyDeletehttp://liveitinerantly.com
Quyen - If you're up for a lot of hiking and exploring, then yes! The real highlight of Iceland is enjoying the outdoors.
DeleteAmazing pictures and amazing trip. I've always wanted to go to Iceland and I always say: next Spring. But really: next Spring. This time I mean it! ;)
ReplyDeletexx,
E.
www.theslowpace.com
Gosh these are so beautiful! Love it when you two travel :) xx
ReplyDeleteThese are gorgeous - I love this Iceland series!
ReplyDeleteThese are so so pretty!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE absolutly all yours photos ! !
ReplyDeleteWhat's your post treatment ? vsco ?
amelie - Thank you! Yes, we use VSCO + Lightroom.
DeleteWOW! All your Iceland photos make me want to go see it for myself. It looks absolutely incredible.
ReplyDeleteWoah, everytime i am amazed by the pictures. Unbelievable what a beautiful and mystic landscape <3
ReplyDeletethese photos are gorgeous. iceland is a beautiful country. & it's great that you got to meet up with fellow travelers/photographers! looks like you guys had a lot of fun (:
ReplyDeletexoxo, Oleah
travel-simply.blogspot.com
Amazing imagery! Your travels have really inspired me, your Iceland adventures especially so. Truly spectacular scenery! Thank you for sharing! :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous adventure!!!!!! I'm so jealous even though I've already been to Iceland before!
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful, natural, pure, and majestic! What a trip, I am green with envy. I don't think I have ever seen a Blogger going to Iceland before. Enjoyed all the posts so much :)
ReplyDeletethese pictures are stunning!!
ReplyDeleteValentina
Valentina Duracinsky Blog
-- Facebook Page
wauw those photographs are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI'm already in love with the country and recognize a lot of places, so it's great to see the captures moments by other photographers.
And the smiling horse it great :-)
This looks like a Land Rover commercial! You guys are always dressed impeccably. Iceland looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteAre all of your pics analogue?! Or do you just edit them that way?!
ReplyDeleteAnyways, they look all awesome!!!!!!!
Okay, so you are using VSCO :-)
ReplyDeleteHow does that work?!
Which package dou you use for your pics?!
And how do I put it on photoshop?!
Would be so thankful for your answers.
I adore your images!
themorrisons - Yes, all digital and VSCO3 + Lightroom. We don't use Photoshop (though you can if you prefer it). Sorry I don't remember which preset I used... I started with a VSCO setting and then kept tweaking over time to create my own presets. They are easy to make your own.
DeleteThese photos are so breathtaking--we are leaving for Iceland in just over a week and can't wait! Though the prospect of so much darkness is making me nervous, these photos are making me really excited. I also love your old photos of Ukraine--my husband and I are moving to Kyiv next year and can't get enough of everything about the country!
ReplyDeleteYou have the coolest life ever. I love your blog! AH! Awesome stuff.
ReplyDeleteWish i too could live my life,likw you,again Excellent Photography, Article is certainly a Visual Delight for the readers on Travel and Tourism.
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog, and I loved the pictures of iceland! My husband and I have been there twice and your pictures have brought back memories. I also have a travel blog, and would love if you took a look at it.....
ReplyDeleteI admire all your beautiful captured moments full of joy, adventure and nature. What camera are you guys using? Just out of curiosity why non of my pictures turn out as lively and inspirational as yours.haha.
ReplyDeleteYou guys are a a true inspiration for my husband and me.
thanks
Hi Kim, thanks for the kind words! These were shot with the Nikon D700. I think the most important piece though is a good lens.
DeleteHi Julia and Yuriy, I am in love with all of your Iceland photos *so much* that I was a tad bit sad 2014 ended just because I loved looking at your Iceland calendar each day! ;)
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I are planning our own trip to Iceland, and I wanted to ask if you could recommend a hotel or b+b - or if you weren't thrilled with yours, was there a region of Iceland where you wish you had stayed?
Thanks so much!